[GMJ]

Hi

My wife has a self propelled (more like Graham propelled really ) wheelchair for her MS. We have recently bought our first MH and I am looking at solutions for carrying it around.

She doesnt need it all the time however for our longer trips we will need to take it.

I have a cycle rack attached to the rear of the MH and have it in mind to see if it can be fixed to that in some kind of lockable, weatherproof cover. It collapses (of a fashion) and wheels come off and I have already got a large bag to keep it in, in this collapsed state.

Could any of you folks make some suggestions or advise what you do?

ta

Graham

 

[Zebedee]

Tell us how heavy it is before we go any further Graham.

Most cycle racks will take about 60kg. Much heavier than that and it's not the way to go, specially since the weight of the enclosure has to be included.

You may need to fit a towbar and use that to support a carrier for the chair, but again the weight could be critical. I think (but don't take my word for it!) that most towbars will support about 150kg . . . IF there's enough capacity on the rear axle loading, AND IF your overhang is not so long that it will dangerously reduce the load on the front wheels and make the steering too light.

If you consider the towbar solution, I'd suggest you contact Messrs Watling Towbars. They will do all the calculations for you and if it isn't safe they will refuse to fit one - which is very reassuring, but not true of all fitters by any means!!! 8O

They do a range of carrying platforms as well, and I'm sure they would be able to accommodate your gaffer's wheelchair.

Dave

 

[Sandy_Saunders]

On our previous motorhome (shown in my avatar) we carried a wheelchair on the bike rack. It was a normal manual one though and not the electric sort.

Zebedee has pointed to the weight issue and that's the key to it. If you can take the battery off as well as the wheels it might be possible. In fact it would be difficult to lift something weighing 60Kg onto anything but the lowest bike rack. But heed Zebedee's comments about weight and payload carefully.

In our current MH we now have a small garage which carries the wheelchair and a small electric mobility scooter.

Sandy

 

[4maddogs]

I think self-propelling means manual.

Wouldn't she be cold sitting on the cycle rack?!!

I have seen all sorts on cycle racks....seems like a good idea to me. I keep thinking about finding a way of securing table and chairs to mine (which is tow bar mounted.

 

[IainKewley]

Self propelled normally means manual - with 24" wheels propelled by the occupant rather than a power chair - although there are all sorts of goodies which can make a manual chair a lot better by adding some power and very little weight which means self propelled does not become attendant propelled. I use one a thing called SmartDrive from Max-mobility - a powered wheel that clips onto the axle.

Having said that, its clear that this is not a full time wheelchair user, and I do wonder if a light weight portable mobility scooter wouldn't be of more value.

If you are going to use the wheelchair, a folding one would make life a lot easier than a rigid frame one, and can easily go on a bike rack

 

[GMJ]

Yes by self propelled I meant manual. It weights c15kg.

As tempting as it would be to strap Mrs GMJ to the bike rack as well I think she might just get the hump if I did that :lol:

I have a Thule roofbox which may/may not fix to the bike rack and may/may not fit the wheelcahir inside. I need to check on both accounts.

If this could be bracketed on in some way and then get a more secure fixing (the lock doesnt seem strong enough to my mind if it is fitted vertically) and/or some strong bungees...then it may well do.

Failing that then solutions on here are most welcome

ta

Graham

 

[Sandy_Saunders]

OK, having established the self-propelled/manual thing. We had no problems securing the wheelchair to the bike rack, which was a four bike affair. The wheels, front and back, went into two of the channels and the rear wheels were secured with the supplied straps. Then one of the swinging arms came down and was secured to the padded arm-rest. That way it was very secure and we never had any problems in four years of use.

As I recall our wheelchair weighs about 12 Kg, but I can't imagine 15Kg will be a problem. We used a mail-bag ex Post Office to cover it, not a very elegant solution but it worked.

Sandy

 

[GMJ]

Sandy

Thats great - thank you. I believe our cycle rack is a 4 bike jobbie as well.

I'll check my roof box today and the rack next time I am at the MH.

In the meantime I'll also look for a waterproof cover as well...for the more elegant solution

I appreciate it - thanks again

Graham

 

[peedee]

I am surprised if it comes apart to the degree you say with a folding frame you haven't got a locker big enough to put it in. I have also stored largish items in the luton before now, much easier than struggling to get them up a ladder into a top box.

If you do decide to put it on a bike rack, measure up what size cover you think you will need and go down to your local garden centre and look for patio furniture covers etc. I have used one of these before to cover items on my bike rack. You can also get covers made to measure for about £20/£25.

peedee

 

[GMJ]

Thanks for that

Fortunately it fits in my top box

Now all I need to do is to check it will fit securely on the bike rack. Is a 4 bike rack type so has a wide base which the box should hopefully sit on. If so then we are sorted. I'll get a stromg nylon wrap around (a la suitcase fashion but bigger/stronger) and also some sturdy bungees as extra support. Once I clamp it to the bike rack it should be fine.

This is a good result if it comes off. I could have stored the wheelchair inside, probably in the bed area above the cab, however we want to use that for our bedding storage.

Cheers

Graham

 

[teamsaga]

Hi Graham
I took the rails off of my bike rack and had an ally platform made up
to bolt to the horizontal frame. This folds up against the vertical frame when not being used.
Regards Phil.

 

[GMJ]

Good thinking.

I'll bear it in mind when I take a look

Cheers

Graham